Process begins with the atmosphere in the process chamber heated
to the operating temperature and chamber filled with nitrogen. One powder feed piston rises to distribute a layer of material. At the same time, the part-building cylinder lowers to the desired layer thickness. The other powder feed piston also lowers to accommodate any surplus material which the levelling roller transfers across the build area. Deposited powder is heated to a temperature just below its melting point. Laser draws one cross section of the desired part to sinter the powder particles. Un-sintered powder remains to support the next layer, which is then distributed, Un-sintered powder remains to support the next layer, which is then distributed, levelled, and sintered. This process continues until the part is complete.